Ever wondered how to get perfectly fluffy rice every single time, without the guesswork? Many of us have stood in front of the appliance aisle, staring at a wall of rice cookers, feeling completely overwhelmed. It’s tough to know which one will actually deliver on its promise of delicious, consistent results, and which will just end up taking up valuable counter space.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They’re known for their thorough testing and honest reviews. If you’re tired of sticky, burnt, or undercooked rice, and you want to find a rice cooker that truly works, you’re in the right place. We’ve dug into their findings to bring you the best advice.
By reading on, you’ll discover which rice cookers passed America’s Test Kitchen’s rigorous trials. We’ll break down what makes a great rice cooker and help you understand the features that matter most. Get ready to say goodbye to rice-related kitchen frustrations and hello to perfectly cooked grains, meal after meal.
Top Rice Cooker America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations
- 𝟭𝟴 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿: Choose from different types of white and brown rice with texture options, 3 types of grains, 3 types of oats, steamed vegetables, slow cook soups, and sauté flavored rice
- 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝘂𝘇𝘇𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰: Whether you're a cooking novice or an experienced home cook, our rice cooker uses fuzzy logic technology to automatically adjust the 7-step cooking process, ensuring that you can get fluffy and evenly results
- 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: You can enjoy warm and fresh rice anytime with the automatic 24-hour keep warm and 24-hour delay timer functions
- 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: The perfect rice is worth the wait, and our 'Quick Rice' feature allows you to cook white rice more quickly in a pinch at 1000W of power without sacrificing taste or quality
- 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻: All accessories including non-stick ceramic inner pot and removable lid are dishwasher-safe
- Bundle includes: 6 quart version of the multi-cooker named as best in the market by America's Test Kitchen with one of the most highly rated multicooker cookbooks by the same respected institution
- Featured functions: Pressure Cook (high and low), Slow Cook (high and low), Steam, Brown, Flex (that allows to Sous Vide), Simmer, Yogurt, Grains, Eggs, Dessert, Keep Warm and Time Delay to program cooking time at your convenience
- Over 33 programmable settings include: Meat, Beans, Soup, Risotto, Vegetable, Omelette, Cheesecake and more!
- The White Rice setting cooks rice as a traditional rice cooker would, using only steam. The Flex function allows you to use the unit as a pressure cooker or traditional stockpot. Yogurt allows you to prepare homemade yogurt with an easy-to-follow 2step process. All food settings come equipped with their own preset cooking time and temperature or pressure level for ideal results
- The Brown function allows you to brown foods in the same pot before cooking. Steam cooks your vegetables and fish with steam to preserve their nutrients. Keep Warm launches at the end of the cooking time to ensure food will remain warm until the cooker is shut off. Time Delay cooking up to 6 hours. Assisting icons on the panel show when the unit is preheating, cooking and even if the lid needs to be opened or closed | 1-year warranty
- Easy-to-use, programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
- An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice and Slow Cook
- Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below
- Perfectly prepares 4 to 20 cups of any variety of cooked rice or grains
- Sensor Logic Technology for delicious, fluffy rice and grains every time - automatically controls the internal temperature throughout the cooking cycle for optimal texture and flavor
Your Guide to Finding the Best Rice Cooker America’s Test Kitchen Recommends
America’s Test Kitchen knows good cooking. They test and review many kitchen gadgets to find the best ones for your home. If you want perfect rice every time, a rice cooker is a great choice. This guide will help you understand what makes a rice cooker great, according to America’s Test Kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a rice cooker, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much rice do you usually cook? Cookers come in small sizes (1-3 cups) for individuals or couples, and larger sizes (5-10 cups) for families.
- Cooking Functions: Most rice cookers cook plain white rice. Some have special settings for brown rice, sushi rice, quick rice, or even steaming vegetables.
- Keep Warm Function: This is a lifesaver! It keeps your rice warm after it’s done cooking without making it mushy.
- Timer/Delay Start: Want rice ready when you get home? A timer lets you set it to start cooking later.
- Non-stick Inner Pot: This makes cleanup super easy. Rice won’t stick to the pot.
- Measuring Cup and Paddle: Most cookers come with these helpful tools.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a rice cooker affect how well it cooks and how long it lasts.
- Inner Pot: Look for a thick, durable inner pot. Many good pots are made of aluminum with a non-stick coating. Some high-end models use stainless steel or ceramic. The thicker the pot, the more evenly it heats the rice.
- Outer Casing: The outside of the cooker is usually made of plastic. A sturdy plastic feels more durable.
- Lid: A good lid seals well to trap steam. Some have a steam vent to let out extra steam, which is important for certain types of rice.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a rice cooker work great, and what can make it fall short?
What Makes a Rice Cooker Great:
- Even Heating: A good rice cooker heats the rice evenly from all sides. This prevents burnt bottoms or undercooked grains.
- Precise Temperature Control: Advanced models can sense when the rice is perfectly cooked and switch to keep warm.
- Durable Build: A well-made cooker will last for years.
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Thin Inner Pots: These can lead to uneven cooking and sticking.
- Flimsy Plastic: The outer casing can break or warp.
- Poor Seals: A lid that doesn’t seal well can let out steam, affecting cooking.
- Complicated Controls: Too many buttons or confusing settings can be frustrating.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is it to use a rice cooker, and what can you do with it?
Using a rice cooker is usually very simple. You measure your rice and water, put them in the pot, close the lid, and press a button. The cooker does the rest!
Rice cookers are perfect for:
- Busy Weeknights: Set it and forget it while you do other things.
- Perfect Side Dishes: Get fluffy, delicious rice for any meal.
- Meal Prep: Cook a big batch of rice at the beginning of the week.
- Beyond Rice: Some cookers can steam vegetables, cook oatmeal, or even make cake batter.
America’s Test Kitchen focuses on rice cookers that are easy to use, clean, and deliver consistently great results. They look for models that are dependable and make cooking rice simple for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Cookers
Q: What is the best type of rice cooker?
A: America’s Test Kitchen often recommends “fuzzy logic” or induction heating rice cookers for the best results. These cookers use smart technology to adjust cooking time and temperature for perfect rice.
Q: How much rice can a typical rice cooker make?
A: Rice cooker sizes are usually measured in “cups” of uncooked rice. A common size is 5 cups, which can serve about 10 people with cooked rice.
Q: Do I need a special rice cooker for brown rice?
A: Many modern rice cookers have a specific setting for brown rice. This setting usually cooks it longer and at a slightly different temperature to make it tender.
Q: Is it hard to clean a rice cooker?
A: No, most rice cookers are easy to clean. The inner pot is usually non-stick and can be washed with soap and water. Some lids are also removable for cleaning.
Q: Can I use any pot for a rice cooker?
A: No, you must use the inner pot that came with your rice cooker. Other pots might not fit correctly or heat properly.
Q: What does “keep warm” do on a rice cooker?
A: The “keep warm” function gently heats the cooked rice so it stays at a good eating temperature for a few hours without drying out or getting mushy.
Q: How do I know how much water to use?
A: Your rice cooker will come with a measuring cup and markings inside the inner pot. You use these to measure the rice and water for the perfect ratio.
Q: Can I open the lid while it’s cooking?
A: It’s best not to open the lid while the rice is cooking. This lets out steam, which is needed for cooking the rice properly.
Q: Are expensive rice cookers worth it?
A: More expensive rice cookers, especially those with advanced technology like induction heating, often produce better results and have more features. However, simpler models can also cook rice well.
Q: What are the benefits of an America’s Test Kitchen recommended rice cooker?
A: These cookers are tested for reliability, ease of use, and consistent cooking performance. They take the guesswork out of making perfect rice.